Since objective data on the effectiveness of self-help groups are not available, participants' views of a program's value are instructive. A study was undertaken to contrast participants' (N=232) evaluations of their self-help meetings with independent observers' (N=11) evaluations and to describe the components of their respective views in terms…

The program to provide basic health information and skills for older persons was sponsored by the city of Palo Alto with the cooperation of 14 health agencies. Weekly morning classes featured 12 topics ranging from exercise to coping with cancer and were presented by health professionals in as nontechnical a manner as possible. The classes were…

As a supplement to the principal reports, descriptions are given in this report for the development, validation, and installation of the Self-Paced Physics Course at the U. S. Naval Academy. Following an executive summary, an introduction to course characteristics, and an overview of the project, statistical tests are discussed in connection with…

Evaluates the use of Occu-Sort (O-S), a career exploration system, with high school students. Students reacted positively to the amount of thinking and writing O-S requires. Time and space can be problematic. Users appreciate its immediate feedback. O-S shows promise as a method of assisting students in meeting career development needs.…

Since 1970, the Servicio National de Desarrollo de la Comunidad (SNDC) has been in existence as an autonomous decentralized government agency. Its main effort has been to integrate Bolivia's 3.4 million rural inhabitants, the "campesinos," into the mainstream of national socioeconomic programs through self-help development projects at…

A survey of medical students in self-help groups revealed that social affiliation and an opportunity to express feelings in a "safe" environment were primary attractions. Nonprofessional faculty contact, support from fellow students, and stimulating discussions about medicine were the main benefits. (Author/MSE)

Described is a one-year study initiated to assist six teachers in developing student self-assessment instructional packages and to evaluate the impact of these materials on teacher/student behavior and attitudes. One of the lesson plans, on dress and manners for secondary students, is included. (Author/SJL)

Described is an empowerment and self-advocacy training program for individuals with disabilities and parents of young children with disabilities, called Partners in Policymaking. Discussed are first-year activities, program evaluation data from participants, and both quantitative and qualitative short-term outcome data collected from first-year…

Describes the evaluation of various components of a self-help smokeless tobacco cessation manual that used relapse prevention, social contracting, and peer education to help high school seniors. Results suggest that use of the manual effectively helped reduce smokeless tobacco use. Recommendations for persons using the manual are included. (SM)

A preventive intervention program based on self-help groups for parents reinforced by the involvement of veteran parents, those who had a premature infant during the past 12 months, and professionals to provide support and information was evaluated. Sets of randomly selected parents (N=35) met weekly in a small group of four to six couples during…

A high priority area for behavioral community psychologists involves working to strengthen informal support systems within communities. A collaborative effort between a community group and academic based psychologists focusses on a community problem--dog litter in an urban area. An original demonstration project was used to influence the political…

A report on the development and tryout of an individualized chemistry program is presented in this monograph, based on the 1969 pilot-test results obtained from the P. K. Yonge Laboratory School and the 1970-72 field test findings from public schools in Florida. The purpose of introducing this program is to help teachers in adopting more…

Author explores some of the issues raised by the National Association of Youth Clubs project "Youth and Race in the Inner City". (Editor/RK)

In August 1984, Northern Nevada Community College (NNCC) began a project to develop a practical plan for a program in personal literacy to be incorporated into its Adult Basic Education Program. The first months of the project were spent in structuring the test model, developing intake procedures, research, interagency networking, and coordinating…

Used a general systems model to evaluate a self-help support group for medical students (N=26). Results showed most medical students sought out support groups to fulfill social affiliation needs and gain better self-understanding. Members shared many leadership functions and generally found the groups meaningful. (JAC)